Susun Michaels is representing Windham Woods School in the 2026 Boston Marathon with a goal of raising $7,500.
Read her story below and consider making a donation.
My reason for running the Boston Marathon begins with my younger sister, Michelle, who was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer at just 39 years old. Feeling helpless, I focused on what I could do – raise awareness and help fund the fight for a cure. Through Dana-Farber, I was honored to be sponsored to run the New York City Marathon in 2023.
Tragically, Michelle passed away while in hospice in July 2023, before I ever made it to the start line. As if fate had intervened once more, I was sidelined by a tibial fracture during training and was unable to run that marathon. That year was the most devasting year of my life.
But loss did not end my journey.
After healing – physically and emotionally – I returned to training with renewed purpose. I was determined to run the Marathon in memory of my sister – to honor her strength, her fight, and her life. I crossed the finish line the fall of 2024 the very next year.
Life will always present challenges – obstacles that feel impossible to overcome. But through hard work, perseverance, and discipline, we can move forward. Running has become my way of proving that truth.
I hope to be an example for my daughter, Sadie, and her friends at the Windham Woods School – to show them what it means to commit, to show up, and to keep going even when it’s hard. And trust that I am not the fastest runner and I may not even look like your typical runner, but I have grit and determination. Follow my journey as I train for the Boston Marathon. I hope to make you proud as I represent the Windham Woods School!
-Susun
To earn her place in the Boston Marathon, Susun must raise $7,500 in support of Windham Woods School. Every donation directly supports Windham Woods School’s mission to help students rediscover confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.
Your contribution, at any level, helps Susun reach the starting line and helps Windham Woods continue its life-changing work.
Windham Woods School is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.